Science, Medical Ethics, and Controversy: Exploring Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
SOC3-5a-Tue3
Mark E. Jurman
This course will take place virtually on Zoom. Participation requires a device (ideally a computer or tablet, rather than a cell phone) with a camera and microphone in good working order and basic familiarity with using Zoom and accessing email.
September 10 - October 8
Have you ever considered the human stories behind scientific breakthroughs that shape our world? In The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot unravels the astonishing true story of an African American woman whose cells, taken during a routine cancer treatment in 1951, became a cornerstone of medical research. In the subsequent decades, scientists demonstrated that under appropriate laboratory conditions, these cells could continue dividing indefinitely, and thus be considered to be “immortal.”
But Henrietta's story is far more than a scientific triumph. This course will delve into the cultural and ethical complexities surrounding the “HeLa cells” so named simply as the scientific identifier for those cells from Henrietta Lacks. We will grapple with the question of informed consent in a time of racial segregation, where Henrietta's voice, like so many others, went unheard. We'll explore the impact on her family, who remained largely unaware of the scientific legacy built on their loved one's cells. Through thought-provoking discussions and analysis of primary and secondary sources, we'll examine the ethical boundaries of scientific progress, the struggle for patient dignity, and the enduring impact of one woman's unwitting contribution. On our journey we’ll also learn the science behind this discovery that led to nothing less than three Nobel prizes and laid the foundation for the modern revolution in biotechnology and medicine.
More facilitated discussion than lecture.
Book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. DVD (may be purchased or obtained from library) or HBO Streaming Video: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Other reading materials will be provided by the instructor.
1-3 hours/week.
Mark Jurman is a Senior Molecular Biologist and Biotechnology Educator with over 30 years research experience in academic and corporate settings. He is a coauthor on 19 peer-reviewed publications. After his career in research, he earned the M.Ed. degree from Lesley University, and a Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics from Northeastern University. Mark is a passionate biotechnology educator, with over 10 years’ experience teaching science to Middle School and High School students. He is adept at conveying complex scientific concepts to students and lay-adult audiences. Mark is an animated, dynamic speaker bringing humor and fun to his craft.